"The Festival of St. Nicholas" by Mary Mapes Dodge and Story Round Up

The Festival of St. Nicholas by Mary Mapes Dodge from Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates (1865)

Welcome, friend! St. Nicholas, welcome!
     Bring no rod for us to-night!
While our voices bid thee welcome,
     Every heart with joy is light.

     "Tell us every fault and failing;
     We will bear thy keenest railing
     So we sing, so we sing:
     Thou shalt tell us everything!

"Welcome, friend! St. Nicholas, welcome!
     Welcome to this merry band!
Happy children greet thee, welcome!
     Thou art gladdening all the land.

     "Fill each empty hand and basket;
     'Tis thy little ones who ask it.
     So we sing, so we sing:
     Thou wilt bring us everything!"



Tours of Cronin School at JJC like a Step Back in Time

The community not only can enjoy the experience of a local one room schoolhouse of Joliet's past, the volunteer tour guides are intimately connected with that school. One attended it; another's mother taught at it.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/24015573-417/tours-of-cronin-school-at-jjc-like-a-step-back-in-time.html


Minooka woman with rare cancer relies on faith

It took Sandy Mckean several years to receive an accurate diagnosis, but she is at total peace with her fate.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/24016167-423/minooka-woman-with-rare-cancer-relies-on-faith.html


Family remembers easygoing hobbyist

George McLearen battled a genetic heart disorder that would eventually cut short his life. So when McLearen had to quit the job he loved, he found a similiar hobby to replace it.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/24073428-418/an-extraordinary-life-family-remember-easygoing-hobbyist.html


Dog survives being stuck behind vehicle grille

Spencer, an indoor dog, took quite the cold and wild ride one night and lived to tell the "tale."

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/24073687-423/dog-survives-being-stuck-behind-vehicle-grille.html


Model trains just keep rolling

Technology has improved the enjoyment of this hobby and continues attracting young enthusiasts.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/24167986-423/model-trains-just-keep-rolling.html


"Star" leads Faint back home for book signing

From working as a personal assistant to Matt Damon to self-publishing her fiction and more, Trinette Faint has amassed more accomplishments than any three women could hope to attain.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/24189304-423/star-leads-faint-back-home-for-book-signing.html